Understanding Research Designs: Quasi-Experimental, Correlational, and Naturalistic Approaches

A closed system in an experiment refers to the control over important factors by the experimenter, ensuring high internal validity and the ability to confidently establish the relationship between the independent variable and dependent variable while ruling out alternative explanations. It does not specifically relate to random assignment, control groups, or external validity concerns.

An open system is one where external factors can influence participants, making it challenging for researchers to control all variables. This requires researchers to use common sense and reasoning to interpret the data collected.

Quasi-experimental designs are specifically used to evaluate the impact of a variable on an ongoing process, unlike controlled laboratory settings, clinical trials, or correlation studies.

Correlational designs are used to study the relationship between two variables without implying causation. They do not manipulate the outcome, identify cause and effect, or control all variables in the study.

Naturalistic observations involve observing and describing behavior in its natural setting without any manipulation or interference.

Time Series Design in quasi experimental designs focuses on studying the effects of an event that has happened to the entire population being studied. Within-subjects design is one way to implement this design to analyze the changes within the same group over time.

Interrupted time series design involves multiple measurements before and after an intervention to determine its effect. Having only one pretest and posttest measurement would not provide enough data for analysis. Additionally, using a control group instead of pretest and posttest measurements would change the design entirely. Not measuring any data before or after the intervention would defeat the purpose of the interrupted time series design.

Quasi experimental longitudinal designs involve assessing the same participants over multiple time points without introducing anything between those points to study the effect of time as an independent variable.

This question is testing understanding of quasi-experimental designs, specifically the nonequivalent control group posttest-only design. Quasi-experimental designs are used when random assignment is not possible, as is the case with this design. The correct answer explains the key characteristics of this design, its implications for internal validity, and its limitations. The three incorrect answers describe different experimental designs or selection methods that do not align with the characteristics of the nonequivalent control group posttest-only design.

A Nonequivalent Before-After design in quasi-experimental research is used specifically to compare the differences between before and after scores when random assignment is not possible, providing baseline information. It is primarily used in educational research to assess the impact of interventions or treatments over time.

Maturation implies that participants are naturally improving over time, while History suggests that external events or factors may be influencing the results.

Quasi-experimental designs require control groups to be similar to the experimental group to reduce confounding variables and increase validity of results. Collecting demographic information helps in understanding group differences and increases confidence in the study outcomes.

Quasi-experimental designs like retrospective and ex post facto designs aim to study past events using empirical procedures to draw meaningful relationships, although they have weak inference but can help test alternative hypotheses. They are more common in correlational studies and are susceptible to threats to internal validity.

Comparative time series design in quasi-experimental designs involves assessing the relationship between variables at different time periods. This design does not involve randomly assigning participants, observing the same group over time, or conducting surveys.

Quasi-experimental designs are utilized to study phenomena that are difficult to replicate in a controlled laboratory setting, allowing for a more realistic examination of complex real-world events while still maintaining some level of control in comparison to observational studies.

The correct answer is a Non-equivalent pretest posttest design because the study compares a treatment group from low SES homes with a comparison group using achievement scores, but the comparison group is not similar in SES backgrounds.

Correlational studies are used to describe relationships between two variables without implying causality or attempting to show how one variable influences the other. They do not determine cause and effect relationships or measure the strength of an association.

The correlation coefficient is influenced by factors such as a restricted range of data, the presence of outliers, and the reliability of the measures used. These factors can impact the strength and direction of the relationship between variables.

Advanced correlational strategies go beyond simply describing relationships between variables and include methods like regressional analysis, cross-lagged panel and structural equation analysis, multilevel modeling, and factor analysis.

Naturalistic observations involve direct observation of behavior in natural contexts, without manipulation or control by the researcher. The correct answer highlights the key points of this method, emphasizing the importance of observation, its usefulness in complex situations, and the value it provides when there is limited existing knowledge. The incorrect answers provide contrasting statements that go against the principles of naturalistic observations, serving as distractors.

When making observations, it's important to consider factors that can affect the accuracy and reliability of the data collected. Common problems include reactive behavior, where participants may alter their behavior due to being observed, resulting in biased data. Unobtrusive observations, selective perception, and issues like fatigue and boredom can also impact the quality of observations.

When analyzing observations, it is important to thoroughly review the data multiple times, look for patterns, evaluate any unusual behavior, and consider any theoretical ideas that may provide insights.

When deciding whether to conceal your identity, it is important to focus on factors such as reactive behaviors, behavior adaptation, personal experience value, and level of influence.

Naturalistic observation involves observing subjects in their natural environment without intervention. The correct answer outlines the advantages and disadvantages of this method, while the incorrect answers provide misleading statements to test understanding.

Behavioral research can be broadly classified into four main categories that include descriptive, correlational, quasi-experimental, and experimental research designs. Each category serves a specific purpose in studying human behaviors and responses.